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Hoquiam K-9 officer Enno dies

The Daily World

Hoquiam’s K-9 officer Enno died Saturday after a four-month battle with an aggressive tumor. He was 10.

Because Enno was a commissioned officer, all other officers will wear mourning bands over their badges and flags will be flown at half staff through Wednesday. The Hoquiam City Council will recognize Enno at its next meeting.

A fast-growing tumor was discovered behind the German shepherd’s eye in October, and a campaign began to help fund treatments. The prognosis wasn’t good from the beginning, and his partner, Sgt. Jeff Salstrom, had to make the decision to put him down Saturday.

“His health had significantly deteriorated in the last few days. Enno passed peacefully at home surrounded by the people that loved him,” Police Chief Jeff Myers said. “Enno was a great dog. All of his work on the street as well as an ambassador for our department was very important to all of us. It was sad to see him go, but I am glad that he is at peace. Enno was a fighter to the end and enjoyed his retirement, even as he battled the cancer.”

Before his retirement in October, Enno made 57 criminal apprehensions, working as a patrol generalist and assisting in searches for suspects, evidence and narcotics.

As important as Enno has been as a patrol dog, perhaps his most important role was as an ambassador for the Hoquiam department. The dog’s extremely outgoing and friendly nature, when he wasn’t pursuing a suspect, made him ideal for being around children. Enno has made public safety education much more engaging to children and helped them to better understand police work. Salstrom said that when he took Enno to classes, children normally pounced on Enno with outstretched hands. Enno’s typical response was to roll over on his back and enjoy the ride.